Winds pose wildfire containment challenge

A spokesman for Bushfires NT says gusty winds will be a challenge for firefighters battling a large wildfire west of Alice Springs.

Steve Sutton says the change of wind direction brought some relief overnight and after back-burning, firefighters are close to containing the blaze.

However, he says some residents were evacuated as a precaution.

"The fire is burning along quite a large front and has burnt to the south to Larapinta Drive and there are some properties along Larapinta Drive to the west of town that have required the occupants to be evacuated just to make sure they're safe," he said.

Bushfires NT says fires are still burning north and further west of Alice Springs.